Best Places to Kayak Near Carlisle, SC

30 public launch points within 50 miles of Carlisle, ranked by water conditions, access, and amenities.

30 nearby15 Lakes10 Rivers4 Reservoirs
← All paddling in South Carolina

Top Picks Near Carlisle

aerial photography of boats at river with trees1

Lake Edwin Johnson

Standout kayak fishing on Thompson Creek - Lake Johnson

LakeBeginner26 mi away
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk2

Stumpy Pond

Calm, sheltered water that's ideal for beginners and paddle boarding

LakeBeginner37 mi away
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky3

John D. Long

Just 11 miles from Carlisle — the closest quality launch

LakeBeginner11 mi away
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Beatys Bridge

South Carolina · 5.1 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Sandy and Broad River

South Carolina · 5.7 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Woods Ferry Recreation Area

South Carolina · 6.9 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Boat Landing Road

South Carolina · 7.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

John D. Long

South Carolina · 11.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Mountain Lake

South Carolina · 14.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Highway 105 Bridge

South Carolina · 18.0 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Jonesville Reservoir

South Carolina · 19.4 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Lake Monticello Subimpoundment

South Carolina · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Lake Monticello West

South Carolina · 19.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a body of water with trees on the side

Hellers Creek

South Carolina · 21.8 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Lake Oliphant

South Carolina · 22.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Lake Monticello East

South Carolina · 23.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a body of water

Cannons Creek

South Carolina · 24.1 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Lake Edwin Johnson

South Carolina · 26.2 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

99 Island

South Carolina · 28.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Pick Hill

South Carolina · 29.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Lake Cherokee

South Carolina · 29.8 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Higgins Bridge

South Carolina · 32.3 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers paddling through a cypress-lined Southern waterway with Spanish moss

Kempsons Bridge

South Carolina · 33.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Sunset Recreation Area

South Carolina · 34.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Calm lake surrounded by autumn trees under a clear sky

Fishing Creek

South Carolina · 35.0 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
aerial photography of boats at river with trees

Big Wateree Creek

South Carolina · 35.3 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Thicketty Creek

South Carolina · 35.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Debutary

South Carolina · 35.6 mi

CreekKayakingCanoeingBeginner
a bridge over a body of water

Springs Park

South Carolina · 35.7 mi

ReservoirKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside lake under blue sky during daytime

Rocky Point

South Carolina · 36.5 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees near body of water during daytime

Cedar Creek

South Carolina · 36.5 mi

RiverKayakingCanoeingBeginner
Kayakers on a calm Southern lake lined with pine trees at dusk

Stumpy Pond

South Carolina · 36.6 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner
green trees beside body of water during daytime

Tournament Ramp (Billy Dreher Island)

South Carolina · 36.7 mi

LakeKayakingCanoeingBeginner

Paddling Near Other Cities

Widen your search to towns within an hour of Carlisle.

Whitmire, SC10 miUnion, SC10 miLockhart, SC12 miBlair, SC12 miBuffalo, SC12 miChester, SC18 miJonesville, SC18 miCross Anchor, SC20 mi

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best places to kayak near Carlisle, SC?

Top picks near Carlisle include Lake Edwin Johnson, Stumpy Pond, John D. Long. In total there are 30 public launch points within 50 miles, with paddling on lakes, rivers, reservoirs.

What types of paddling can I do near Carlisle?

Near Carlisle you'll find opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddle boarding. Most locations offer beginner-friendly conditions with public boat ramp access.

Are there free kayak launches near Carlisle?

Yes! Most public boat ramps near Carlisle are free to use. Some state parks and recreation areas may charge a small parking or entrance fee.